The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-12-01
GIFTS TO POPE LEO.
Coneratulatory Letter, Library of Auto
graphs and a Vase of Money.


Baltimore Special.
Cardinal Gibbons has just sent to Pope Leo
XIII. at Rome a letter FROM the Roman Catho-
lie hierarchy in the United States. congratulate
ing the Holy Father upon the attainment of the
fiftieth anniversary of his ordination to the
priesthood The letter is. of course, in the Latin
language, and separate printed copies bear the
signatures of his Eminence the Cardinal, of all
the archbishops and of all the bishops in the
country. Its tenor is entirely congratulatory,
and Joins with the rest of the Catholic world in
giving thanks to God for the prolongation of the
life of the present Pontif. and for the signal
favors which have been bestowed upon the
head of the church in the person of Leo. Tho
letter was engrossed in beautiful and artistic
manner by three of the Christian Brothers al
ST. Joseph's Academy on Saratoga street undef
the supervision of Brother Director Paphylnusr
who was formerly principal and vice-presideni
of Lassalle College at Philadelphia
The brothers engrossed the letter in three
in penmanship difficult to equal. much less to
surpass. The first has rustic groundwork in
terwoven with flowers and birds and the pontif-
ical insignia, the body being printed In italics.
The second has the title in German text. and
the body in French round hand. The third is
the plainest of the three. and yet is a marvel of
neatness and beauty.
The cardinal selected the last of the three
styles the one to be sent to Rome. The title.
.'Beattissime Pater," is in Gothic, with orna-
mentation. In the centre at the top of the
sheet. is magnificent representation of the
tiara. To the left of the title is a pontihcaI
crosier. and to the right. is the Popes triple
raised from the surface and tinted as to re-
semnle gold stone. The body of the letter is In
American round hand after the Spencerian
style. The whole Is surrounded by 6gurat1ye
framework. also raised from the surface of the
paper, consisting of harmonious combination
of flowers, the colors delicately blended as to
give most exquisite effect The dimensions Of
the engrossed letter are 13x1S inches.
Not the least interesting and valuable among
the presents which Pope Leo will receive during
the celebration of his jubilee will be one TO be
given. and now in the course of preparation by
the Brotherhood of Christian Schools, which Is
scattered throughout the whole world This
gift is not only interesting and valuable. but de-
cide1ly novel 1t will consist of a bookcase of
large dimensions filed with volumes containing
of the Christian Brothers. and those of the
teachers and professors. The idea originated
with the Most Honorable Brother Joseph. SUI
perior general who is located in Paris. Each
district is given volume, and each volume will
contain the autograph signatures of the students.
teachers and professors in that district properly
listed under the of the school In which
they are receiving or giving tuition. The at
tendance roll of each school viii be aggregated.
and the number of students. professors and
teachers will be placed at the end of the list.
So also at the end of each volume will he given
the number of students aud instructors in the
district to which the volume is devoted The
at the Christian Brothers School of St Nicho-
las by the students themselves 1t viii be of
rare workmanship and of the choicest woods
that It Is possible to obtain.
The students of these schools are also getting
up fund for his Holiness the Pope, which viii
be presented to him III large metallic
The vase is the handiwork of student of the
Christian Brothers at Rome. his knowledge of
the trade of silver smithing and gold beating
having been acq Aired at their hands. The vase
is of gold aud silver. 1t is beautifully chased
and nilled. and Is decorated with tiara triple
cross, crosier and two floral wreaths In it
will be placed all the money proceeding from
the collection now being made among the
Christian Brothers. and it will then be presented
to the Pope There are over 100000 young
men and boys attending these schools.